Reflection for February 26 Thursday of the First Week in Lent: Matthew 7:7-12

Gospel: Matthew 7:7-12

Jesus said to his disciples: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. 

Which one of you would hand his son a stone when he asked for a loaf of bread, or a snake when he asked for a fish? If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask him.

 

“Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the law and the prophets.”

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

Do we have prayers before God?

Each of us carries prayers in our hearts — hopes we quietly lift up to God, burdens we entrust to Him, and desires that we place before His loving care. God always listens to our prayers and petitions.

Oftentimes His answer is yes; sometimes it is no. And there are moments when He gently tests our patience and lovingly tells us, “Wait.” Whatever His response may be, let us remain patient, hold on to hope, and continue to pray with trusting hearts.

Almost all of us have pending prayer petitions before God. Some of these prayers may have been in our hearts for a long time. At times we may grow weary or discouraged, especially when the answers do not come as quickly as we hope. Yet we must not lose faith or patience. Instead, let us continue to trust that, in His perfect time, God will grant what is truly best for us, because His love for us never fails.

When we ask God for something, we must not remain idle and simply wait for the answers to fall into our laps like manna from heaven. We are called to do our part as well, for God looks kindly upon those who support their prayers with faithful effort and sincere action. Our prayers must move our hands and our hearts to cooperate with God’s grace.

The secret, therefore, is never to give up on God and always believe that He answers our prayers. We may not immediately understand His response, and at times we may struggle to accept it, but we are invited to trust in His wisdom and goodness. God knows what is best for us even more than we know ourselves.

What prayers do we carry in our hearts before God? Are we willing to trust Him, patiently work for what we ask, and continue praying without losing hope — even when His answer seems delayed? —Marino J. Dasmarinas